CAMP HILL, Pa. — Oyster Mill Playhouse in Cumberland County is gearing up for its production of "The 39 Steps."
“It’s got espionage. It’s got the intrigue, the murder, and the travel… I think that always drives an audience [and] brings them in. It’s a fascinating story,” said Tree Zuzzio, who plays Richard Hannay in the play.
"The 39 Steps" follows the unexpected journey of Richard, who's bored with his life until he meets Annabella Schmidt.
Schmidt, played by Sarah Cordner, warns him of a mysterious organization called The 39 Steps, which Hannay soon realizes is after him.
The play consists of four actors portraying more than 150 characters together with different accents.
Cordner plays three different characters and juggles three accents within the show.
“Remembering my lines and the accents has been a little challenging,” said Cordner. “Because when you’re memorizing them, you want to make sure you’re not learning the wrong accent over the wrong line.”
Although Zuzzio didn’t have the challenge of playing multiple characters, he says he had to use his imagination to fill a bare-bone set.
“That’s not really something I’ve experienced before as an actor,” Zuzzio said. “So, being able to imagine, if there’s long scene on a train or on a bridge, understanding what that’s like and how to make sure that reads for the audience as well.”
And although the adventures along the 39 steps are fun, Cordner says the journey may leave a message too.
“In a way, it can kind of give hope… your life might feel like it’s nowhere right now, but you don’t know what could happen that could throw your life into something brand new,” said Cordner.
Patrick Hughes, the director of the show, talked more about the show and the challenges the cast has faced in the live interview below:
"The 39 Steps" will run on weekends from July 12-28. Those interested can purchase their tickets here.